Speed-based window control

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for speed-based window control. An example disclosed vehicle includes a speed sensor and a body control module. When a side window is open, the body control module monitors, via the speed sensor, a speed of the vehicle. In response to the speed of the vehicle satisfying a first speed threshold, the body control module closes the side window and then, after the side window is closed, activates an air conditioner.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to body control modules invehicles and, more specifically, speed-based window control.

BACKGROUND

On hot days, occupants in a vehicle usually either roll down window oruse the air conditioner. Open windows create drag on a moving vehicle,which affects fuel efficiency. Additionally, cooling the air through acompressor of the air conditioner also decreases fuel efficiency.Typically, the occupants do not know which option is best to cool downwhile also minimizing the impact on fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

The appended claims define this application. The present disclosuresummarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limitthe claims. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance withthe techniques described herein, as will be apparent to one havingordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings anddetailed description, and these implementations are intended to bewithin the scope of this application.

Example embodiments are disclosed for speed-based window control. Anexample disclosed vehicle includes a speed sensor and a body controlmodule. When a side window is open, the body control module monitors,via the speed sensor, a speed of the vehicle. In response to the speedof the vehicle satisfying a first speed threshold, the body controlmodule closes the side window and then, after the side window is closed,activates an air conditioner.

An example disclosed method includes monitoring, with a speed sensor, aspeed of the vehicle when one of a plurality of side windows is open.The example method also includes, in response to the speed of thevehicle satisfying a first speed threshold, closing, with windowcontrollers, the plurality of the side windows, and after the pluralityof the side windows are closed, activating an air conditioner of an HVACsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made toembodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in thedrawings are not necessarily to scale and related elements may beomitted, or in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated, soas to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features describedherein. In addition, system components can be variously arranged, asknown in the art. Further, in the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrated a vehicle with a body control module operating inaccordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic components of the vehicle ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts of a method to control windows based onthe speed of the vehicle of FIG. 1 that may be implemented by theelectronic components of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

While the invention may be embodied in various forms, there are shown inthe drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsillustrated.

Operating the air conditioner decreases the fuel efficiency of avehicle. For example, cooling the air through a compressor may decreasethe fuel efficiency by ten percent. Driving with the side windows opendecreases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The decrease in fuelefficiency is based on the speed of the vehicle. For example, drivingwith the side windows open at a speed of fifty miles per hour (mph) maydecrease the fuel efficiency by up to twenty percent. Additionally, athigher speeds the wind causes an uncomfortable noise inside the cabin ofthe vehicle. This uncomfortable noise can be ameliorated by closing theside windows. However, at highway speeds, the time it takes to close thewindows and turn on the air conditioner may distract the driver.

As disclosed below, when the speed of the vehicle satisfies (e.g., isgreater than or equal to) a first speed threshold and one or more sidewindows are open, the vehicle stores, in memory, the position of thewindow(s) and attempts to automatically close the windows. For example,the first speed threshold may be 50 mph. If closing the windows issuccessful (e.g., no obstructions prevent closing), the vehicleautomatically activates the air conditioner of the heating,ventilating/ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Thesettings of the air conditioner may be based on, for example, (a) presettemperature and blower settings configured by the occupants, (b) recenttemperature and blower settings, and/or (c) temperature and blower valuesettings based on ambient and cabin temperatures. When the speed of thevehicle satisfies (e.g., is less than) a second speed threshold for aperiod of time, the vehicle deactivates the air conditioning andautomatically opens windows. For example, the second threshold may be 30mph and the period of time may be 30 seconds. In some examples, thevehicle opens the windows to the position stored in memory. In such amanner, the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. Additionally,distractions to the driver are reduced.

FIG. 1 illustrated a vehicle 100 with a body control module 102operating in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Thevehicle 100 may be a standard gasoline powered vehicle, a hybridvehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and/or any othermobility implement type of vehicle. The vehicle 100 includes partsrelated to mobility, such as a powertrain with an engine, atransmission, a suspension, a driveshaft, and/or wheels, etc. Thevehicle 100 may be non-autonomous, semi-autonomous (e.g., some routinemotive functions controlled by the vehicle 100), or autonomous (e.g.,motive functions are controlled by the vehicle 100 without direct driverinput). In the illustrated example the vehicle 100 includes an HVACsystem 104, window controllers 106, a speed sensor 108, an ambienttemperature sensor 110, a cabin temperature sensor 112, and the bodycontrol module 102.

The HVAC system 104 provides heating and cooling to the interior of thevehicle 100. The HVAC system 104 includes digital and/or analoginterfaces (e.g., input devices and output devices) to receive inputfrom user(s) (e.g., occupants of the vehicle 100) and displayinformation. The input devices may include, for example, a control knob,an instrument panel, a digital camera for image capture and/or visualcommand recognition, a touch screen, an audio input device (e.g., cabinmicrophone), buttons, or a touchpad. The output devices may includeinstrument cluster outputs (e.g., dials, lighting devices), informationon a heads-up display, and/or information on a center console display(e.g., a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), an organic light emitting diode(“OLED”) display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, etc.).Through the input devices, the user(s) selects a temperature setting, ablower speed setting, a vent configuration, a source setting (e.g.,internal air, external air, etc.). For example, the input devices mayfacilitate the user(s) selecting a target internal temperature.

The window controllers 106 open and close the side windows 114 of thevehicle 100. Each of the window controllers 106 includes an electriclift motor and one or more gears to raise and lower the correspondingside window 114. The window controllers 106 are communicatively coupledto the body control module 102. In some examples, the analog switches onthe interior of the door are monitored for the body control module 102to provide control signals to the window controllers 106. In someexamples, the window controllers 106 have position settings thatindicate how much the window is open. For example, the windowcontrollers may have five position settings between fully open and fullyclosed. In the illustrated example, the window controllers 106 includean obstruction sensor 116. The obstruction sensor 116 senses when anobject (e.g., an arm, an elbow, etc.) is blocking the path of the sidewindow 114 to be raised. In some examples, the obstruction sensor 116monitors the current supplied to the electric lift motor. Obstructionscause the electric lift motor to draw more current. In such examples,the obstruction sensor 116 detects an obstruction when the currentsupplied to the electric lift motor increases beyond a threshold value.The window controller 106 stops attempting to raise the side window 114when the obstruction sensor 116 detects an obstruction. Additionally,the corresponding window controller 106 signals the body control module102 that it detected an obstruction.

The speed sensor 108 measures the speed of the vehicle 100. In someexamples, the speed sensor 108 is a wheel speed sensor that measures therotation of one of the wheels of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, thespeed sensor 108 measures the rotation of a crankshaft of the vehicle100. The ambient temperature sensor 110 measures the exteriortemperature proximate the vehicle 100. The ambient temperature sensor110 may be any suitable temperature sensor. In some examples, theambient temperature sensor 110 is located in a front bumper of thevehicle 100. The cabin temperature sensor(s) 112 measures thetemperature inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle 100. The cabintemperature sensor(s) 112 may be any suitable temperature sensor (e.g.,a thermistor, an infrared sensor, etc.).

The body control module 102 controls various subsystems of the vehicle100. For example, the body control module 102 may control power windows,power locks, an immobilizer system, and/or power mirrors, etc. The bodycontrol module 102 includes circuits to, for example, drive relays(e.g., to control wiper fluid, etc.), drive brushed direct current (DC)motors (e.g., to control power seats, power locks, wipers, etc.), drivestepper motors, and/or drive LEDs, etc. The body control module 102 iscommunicatively coupled to the input controls within the vehicle 100,such as power window control buttons, power lock buttons, etc. The bodycontrol module 102 instructs the corresponding subsystem to act based onthe actuated input control. For example, if the driver's side windowbutton is toggled to lower the driver's side window, the body controlmodule 102 instructs the corresponding window controller 106 to lowerthe side window 114.

The body control module 102 monitors the speed of the vehicle 100 (e.g.,via the speed sensor 108), the position of the side windows 114 (e.g.,via the window controllers 106), and the state (e.g. on or off) of anair conditioner of the HVAC system 104. When the speed of the vehicle100 satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) a first speedthreshold and the air conditioner of the HVAC system 104 is on, the bodycontrol module 102 instructs the window controllers 106 to close theside windows 114 that are currently open. The body control module 102determines which of the side windows 114 are open based on positionsettings provided by the window controllers 106. For example, the windowcontrollers 106 may indicate that the side windows 114 are open,partially open, or closed. As another example, the window controllers106 may indicate the degree to which the side windows 114 are partiallyopen, such as 50% open, 25% open, etc. In some examples, the first speedthreshold is 50 mph. In some examples, the body control module 102stores, in memory (e.g., the memory 210 of FIG. 2 below), position dataindicative of the positions of the side windows 114. In response to oneor more of the window controllers 106 detecting an obstruction, the bodycontrol module 102 waits a moment (e.g., one second, two seconds, ect.)and attempts to close the side window(s) 114 again. The body controlmodule 102 makes a number of attempts to close the side windows 114. Forexample, the body control module 102 may attempt to close the sidewindows 114 three times. If, after the number of attempts, the sidewindows 114 are not successfully closed, the body control module 102discontinues attempting to close the side window 114. In some examples,after discontinuing, the body control module 102 provides an audio orvisual notification to the user(s) (e.g., via a dashboard display, etc.)Additionally, in some examples, after discontinuing, the body controlmodule 102 waits a period of time (e.g., five minutes, ten minutes,etc.) before monitoring the speed of the vehicle 100 again. In someexamples, the body control module 102 cancels closing the side windows114 in response to the power window control button being activated whilethe side windows 114 are closing. In some such examples, the bodycontrol module 102 instructs the window controllers 106 to return theside windows 114 to the previous positions (e.g., as store in memory).Additionally, in some such examples, the body control module 102 waitsuntil a trigger event before monitoring the speed of the vehicle 100again. For example, the body control module 102 may wait until theignition switch is cycled and/or the transmission is shifted out ofpark.

If shutting the side windows 114 is successful, the body control module102 instructs the HVAC system 104 to activate the air conditioner. Insome examples, the body control module 102 provides temperature settingsand/or blower settings to the HVAC system 104. The temperature settingsand/or blower settings are (a) preset temperature and blower settingconfigured by the occupants, (b) recent temperature and blower settings(e.g., the temperature and blower settings from the last time the airconditioner of the HVAC system 104 was active, etc), and/or (c)temperature and blower settings based on ambient and cabin temperatures.The users may set temperature and/or blower setting preferences via aninfotainment system. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples,the body control module 102 stores in memory the temperature and blowersettings when, as discussed below, the body control module 102deactivates the air conditioner of the HVAC system 104. Additionally oralternatively, in some examples, the body control module 102 sets thetemperature and blower settings based on the cabin temperature measuredby the cabin temperature sensor 112 and/or the ambient temperaturemeasured by the ambient temperature sensor 110. For example, the bodycontrol module 102 may set the temperature and blower settings so thecabin temperature remains substantially constant (e.g., within a fewdegrees, etc.) before and after the side windows 114 are closed.

When the speed of the vehicle 100 satisfies (e.g., is greater than orequal to) a second speed threshold for a period of time, the bodycontrol module 102 instructs the HVAC system 104 to deactivate the airconditioning. In some example, the second speed threshold is 30 mph. Insome examples, the period of time is 30 seconds. In some examples, thebody control module 102 stores, in memory, the temperature and blowersettings of the HVAC system 104. The body control module 102 instructsthe window controllers 106 to open one or more of the side windows 114.In some examples, the body control module 102 instructs the windowcontrollers 106 to open the side windows 114 according to the positiondata stored in memory. In some examples, the body control module 102cancels opening the side windows 114 in response to the power windowcontrol button being activated while the side windows 114 are opening.In such examples, the body control module 102 instructs the HVAC system104 to activate the air conditioning based on the temperature and blowersetting stored in memory.

In some examples, the body control module 102 does not instruct thewindow controllers 106 to open the side windows 114 based on airquality. In such examples, the body control module 102 commutativelycouples to an air quality server 118 (e.g., via the on-boardcommunications platform 206 of FIG. 2 below) operated by any suitableentity (e.g., a government agency, a vehicle manufacturer, a non-profitorganization, etc.). For example, the air quality server 118 may beoperated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In suchexamples, the body control module 102 receives an Air Quality Index(AQI) value from the air quality server 118 for a region correspondingto the location of the vehicle 100. The AQI includes measurements ofground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,and nitrogen dioxide. In some examples, the body control module 102 doesnot instruct the window controllers 106 to open the side windows 114when the AQI value satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) aquality threshold. In some such examples, the quality threshold is 100on a scale of 0 to 500.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic components 200 of the vehicle100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the electronic components 200include the body control module 102, the HVAC system 104, the windowcontrollers 106, sensors 202, and a vehicle data bus 204. In someexamples, the electronic components 200 include an on-boardcommunications platform 206.

In the illustrated example, the body control module 102 includes aprocessor or controller 208, and memory 210. The processor or controller208 may be any suitable processing device or set of processing devicessuch as, but not limited to: a microprocessor, a microcontroller-basedplatform, a suitable integrated circuit, one or more field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), and/or one or more application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). The memory 210 may be volatile memory (e.g., RAM,which can include non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, andany other suitable forms); non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, FLASHmemory, EPROMs, EEPROMs, resistive non-volatile solid-state memory,etc.), unalterable memory (e.g., EPROMs), read-only memory, and/orhigh-capacity storage devices (e.g., hard drives, solid state drives,etc). In some examples, the memory 210 includes multiple kinds ofmemory, particularly volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

The memory 210 is computer readable media on which one or more sets ofinstructions, such as the software for operating the methods of thepresent disclosure can be embedded. The instructions may embody one ormore of the methods or logic as described herein. In a particularembodiment, the instructions may reside completely, or at leastpartially, within any one or more of the memory 210, the computerreadable medium, and/or within the processor 208 during execution of theinstructions.

The terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and“computer-readable medium” should be understood to include a singlemedium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets ofinstructions. The terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and“computer-readable medium” also include any tangible medium that iscapable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions forexecution by a processor or that cause a system to perform any one ormore of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, theterm “computer readable medium” is expressly defined to include any typeof computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to excludepropagating signals.

The sensors 202 may be arranged in and around the vehicle 100 in anysuitable fashion. The sensors 202 may include camera(s), sonar, RADAR,LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, or infrared devicesconfigured to measure properties around the exterior of the vehicle 100.Additionally, some sensors 202 may be mounted inside the passengercompartment of the vehicle 100 or in the body of the vehicle 100 (suchas, the engine compartment, the wheel wells, etc.) to measure propertiesin the interior of the vehicle 100. For example, such sensors 202 mayinclude accelerometers, odometers, tachometers, pitch and yaw sensors,cameras, microphones, and tire pressure sensors, biometric sensors, etc.In the illustrated example, the sensors 202 include the ambienttemperature sensor 110 and the cabin temperature sensor 112.

The vehicle data bus 204 communicatively couples the body control module102, the HVAC system 104, the sensors 202, and, in some examples, theon-board communications platform 206. In some examples, the vehicle databus 204 includes one or more data buses. The vehicle data bus 204 may beimplemented in accordance with a controller area network (CAN) busprotocol as defined by International Standards Organization (ISO)11898-1, a Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus protocol, a CANflexible data (CAN-FD) bus protocol (ISO 11898-7) and/a K-line busprotocol (ISO 9141 and ISO 14230-1), and/or an Ethernet™ bus protocolIEEE 802.3 (2002 onwards), etc.

The on-board communications platform 206 includes wired or wirelessnetwork interfaces to enable communication with external networks. Theon-board communications platform 206 also includes hardware (e.g.,processors, memory, storage, antenna, etc.) and software to control thewired or wireless network interfaces. In some examples, the on-boardcommunications platform 206 includes controllers for Bluetooth® and/orother standards-based networks (e.g., Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS),Long Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), WiMAX(IEEE 802.16m); Near Field Communication (NFC); local area wirelessnetwork (including IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac or others), and WirelessGigabit (IEEE 802.11ad), etc.). Additionally, in some examples, theon-board communications platform 206 also includes the GPS receiver.Further, the external network(s) may be a public network, such as theInternet; a private network, such as an intranet; or combinationsthereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now availableor later developed including, but not limited to, TCP/IP-basednetworking protocols. For example, the external network(s) may includethe air quality server 118.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts of a method to control the side windows114 based on the speed of the vehicle 100 of FIG. 1 that may beimplemented by the electronic components 200 of FIG. 2. Initially, atblock 302 (FIG. 3A), the body control module 102 determines whether theair conditioner of the HVAC system 104 is active. If the air conditionerof the HVAC system 104 is active, the method continues at block 328(FIG. 3B). Otherwise, if the air conditioner of the HVAC system 104 isnot active, the method continues at block 304. At block 304, the bodycontrol module 102 determines whether one or more of the side windows114 are open. If one or more of the side windows 114 are open, themethod continues at block 306. Otherwise, if the side windows 114 areclosed, the method returns to block 302.

At block 306, the body control module 102 determines, via the speedsensor 108, the speed of the vehicle 100. At block 308, the body controlmodule 102 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 100 satisfies(e.g., is greater than or equal to) a first speed threshold. In someexamples, the first speed threshold is between 45 mph and 50 mph. If thespeed of the vehicle 100 satisfies the first speed threshold, the methodcontinues at block 310. Otherwise, if the speed of the vehicle 100 doesnot satisfy the first speed threshold, the method returns to block 304.At block 310, the body control module 102 initiates (e.g., sets to zero)a counter. The counter tracks attempts to close the side windows 114. Atblock 312, the body control module 102, via the window controller(s) 106associated with the open side window(s) 114, attempts to close the sidewindows 114. At block 314, the body control module 102, determineswhether the window controller(s) 106 associated with the open sidewindow(s) 114 detect an obstruction. If the window controller(s) 106associated with the open side window(s) 114 detect an obstruction, themethod continues at block 316. Otherwise, if the window controller(s)106 associated with the open side window(s) 114 do not detect anobstruction, the method continues at block 323.

At block 316, the body control module 102 increments the counterinitiated at block 310. At block 318, the body control module 102determines whether the counter satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equalto) an attempt threshold. In some examples, the attempt threshold isthree. If the counter satisfies the attempt threshold, the methodcontinues at block 320. Otherwise, if the counter does not satisfy theattempt threshold, the method returns to block 312. At block 320, thebody control module 102 activates an alert (e.g., a buzzer, a chime, anotification on the dashboard display, etc.) to notify the occupants ofthe vehicle 100 that the side windows 114 could not be closed. At block322, the body control module 102 waits a period of time. In someexamples, the period of time is between five and ten minutes.

At block 323, the body control module 102 closes the side window(s). Atblock 324, the body control module 102 determines a temperature settingand a blower setting for the HVAC system 104. In some examples, thetemperature setting and the blower setting are stored in memory (e.g.,the memory 210 of FIG. 2). Alternatively, in some examples, the bodycontrol module 102 includes default settings for the temperature settingand the blower setting based on, for example, average user settings.Alternatively, the body control module 102 may include a table thatassociated the current ambient temperature and the current cabintemperature. At block 326, the body control module 102 instructs theHVAC system 104 to activate the air conditioner with the temperaturesetting and the blower speed setting determined at block 324.

At block 328 (FIG. 3B), the body control module 102 determines, via thespeed sensor 108, the speed of the vehicle 100. At block 330, the bodycontrol module 102 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 100satisfies (e.g., is less than or equal to) a second speed threshold holdfor a threshold period of time. In some examples, the second speedthreshold is 30 mph. Additionally, in some examples, the thresholdperiod of time is 30 seconds. If the speed of the vehicle 100 satisfiesthe second speed threshold for the threshold period of time, the methodcontinues to block 332. Otherwise, if the speed of the vehicle 100 doesnot satisfy the second speed threshold for the threshold period of time,the method returns to block 302 (FIG. 3A),

At block 332, the body control module 102 determines whether the airquality satisfies (e.g., is less than or equal to) an air qualitythreshold. In some examples, the body control module 102 connects, viathe on-board communications platform 206, to the air quality server 118and receives an AQI value. In some examples, the air quality thresholdis 100 AQI. If the air quality value satisfies the air qualitythreshold, the method continues to block 334. Otherwise, if the airquality value does not satisfy the air quality threshold, the methodcontinues to block 346. At block 334, the body control module 102determines a target position for one or more of the side windows 114. Insome examples, the previous positions of the side windows 114 are storedin the memory 210. Alternatively, in some examples, the target positionfor one or more of the side windows 114 is determined based on theambient temperature and/or the cabin temperature. For example, the bodycontrol module 102 may determine a more open target position when thecabin temperature is cooler.

At block 336, the body control module 102 opens the one or more sidewindows 114 via the window controllers 106. At block 338, body controlmodule 102 determines whether it has received a signal from an occupantof the vehicle 100 to cancel opening the side windows 114. For examples,the body control module 102 may determines that opening the side windows114 is to be cancelled the driver presses the one of the window controlbuttons on the door. If the signal to cancel has been received, themethod continues to block 344. If the signal to cancel has not beenreceived, the method continues to block 340. At block 340, the bodycontrol module 102 determines whether the side windows 114 are at theirtarget position determines at block 334. If the side windows 114 arethat their target position, the method continues to block 342.Otherwise, if the side windows 114 not are that their target position,the method returns to block 336. At block 342, the body control module102 instructs the HVAC system 104 to deactivate the air conditioning.The method then returns to block 302 (FIG. 3A). At block 344, the bodycontrol module 102 closes the side windows 114. At block 346, the bodycontrol module 102 waits for a trigger event. For example, the triggerevent may be the speed to the vehicle reaching zero, the transitionbeing shifted into park, and/or the ignition switch toggling from an offposition to an on position. The method then returns to block 302 (FIG.3A).

The flowcharts of FIGS. 3A and 3B are representative of machine readableinstructions that comprise one or more programs that, when executed by aprocessor (such as the processor 208 of FIG. 2), cause the vehicle 100to implement the example body control module 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2.Further, although the example program(s) is/are described with referenceto the flowchart illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, many other methods ofimplementing the example body control module 102 may alternatively beused. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed,and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, orcombined.

In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to includethe conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is notintended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the”object or “a” and “an” object is intended to denote also one of apossible plurality of such objects. Further, the conjunction “or” may beused to convey features that are simultaneously present instead ofmutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the conjunction “or”should be understood to include “and/or”. The terms “includes,”“including,” and “include” are inclusive and have the same scope as“comprises,” “comprising,” and “comprise” respectively.

The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred”embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Manyvariations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without substantially departing from the spirit andprinciples of the techniques described herein. All modifications areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a speed sensor; and a bodycontrol module to, when a side window is open: monitor, via the speedsensor, a speed of the vehicle; and in response to the speed of thevehicle satisfying a first speed threshold, close the side window andthen, after the side window is closed, activate an air conditioner. 2.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the body control module is to, whenclosing the side window, store, in memory, a position setting for theside window.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the body control moduleis to, when activating the air conditioner of an HVAC system, determinea temperature setting and a blower speed setting for the airconditioner.
 4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein preferences of a userfor the temperature setting and the blower speed setting are stored inmemory.
 5. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the temperature setting andthe blower speed setting are based on a cabin temperature and an ambienttemperature.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the body control moduleis to, when closing the side window: initiate a counter; when anobstruction is detected in a path of the side window, increment thecounter; and in response to the counter satisfying an attempt threshold,stop closing the side window.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein thebody control module is to, when the side window is closed and the airconditioner of an HVAC system is active: monitor, via the speed sensor,a speed of the vehicle; in response to the speed of the vehiclesatisfying a second speed threshold, open the side window and thendeactivate the air conditioner of the HVAC system.
 8. The vehicle ofclaim 7, wherein a position setting for the side window is stored inmemory.
 9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the body control module is toopen the side window to the positing settings stored in memory.
 10. Thevehicle of claim 7, wherein the body control module is to, beforedeactivating the air conditioner of the HVAC system, store a temperaturesetting and a blower setting in memory.
 11. A method comprising:monitoring, with a speed sensor, a speed of the vehicle when one of aplurality of side windows is open; and in response to the speed of thevehicle satisfying a first speed threshold: closing, with windowcontrollers, the plurality of side windows; and after the plurality ofside windows are closed, activating, with a processor, an airconditioner.
 12. The method of claim 11, including, when closing theplurality of the side windows, storing, in memory, position settings forthe plurality of side windows.
 13. The method of claim 11, including,when activating the air conditioner of an HVAC system, determining atemperature setting and a blower speed setting for the air conditioner.14. The method of claim 13, wherein preferences of a user for thetemperature setting and the blower speed setting are stored in memory.15. The method of claim 13, wherein the temperature setting and theblower speed setting are based on a cabin temperature and an ambienttemperature.
 16. The method of claim 11, including, when closing theplurality of side windows: initiating a counter; when an obstruction isdetected in a path of one of the plurality of side windows, incrementingthe counter; and in response to the counter satisfying an attemptthreshold, returning the plurality of side windows to their originalposition settings.
 17. The method of claim 11, including, when all ofthe plurality of side windows are closed and the air conditioner of anHVAC system is active: monitoring, via the speed sensor, a speed of thevehicle; in response to the speed of the vehicle satisfying a secondspeed threshold: opening at least one of the plurality of side windows;and deactivating the air conditioner of the HVAC system.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein position settings for the plurality of side windowsare stored in memory.
 19. The method of claim 18, including opening theplurality of side windows to the positing settings stored in memory. 20.The method of claim 17, including, before deactivating the airconditioner of the HVAC system, storing a temperature setting and ablower setting in memory.